So there’s a video that’s been going round the internet recently – it’s called ‘Look Up’, a short narrated montage movie created

by a Mr. Gary Turk. ‘Look Up’ is about the role that social media and handheld devices play in our lives…or, to put it more aptly perhaps, the role that we play in the lives of these modern mechanisms. Whether you’re a total technophobe or a sworn Facebook fanatic, ‘Look Up’ is a creation certain to have you transfixed in your chair and ‘looking up’…even if it is, ironically, at your own computer screen.

First of all, the film tackles our addiction to smartphones. Come now, don’t be coy – you and me both, whatever the purpose is for having this invention in our lives, would surely be fibbing if we said we wouldn’t miss it. The points that Turk raises though are so pinpointedly accurate, it’s painful. When he talks about being in a public place – his example being the subway – I am reminded of my own experiences of wanting to yell something random on a train just to break the ridiculously stiff silence. It’s an undeniably common sad symptom of today’s society. Very rarely does an unexpected friendship take root; a profound moment shared; an adventure unfolded. And the fact that this is perceived as normal makes it all the more sad. I am left asking myself, when did we all become so afraid? When did we start to shudder at the thought of looking the world straight in the eye?

Secondly, ‘Look Up’ raises the unignorable fact that our concept of social media as a tool has become entirely topsy-turvy. Look at any Twitter or Facebook news feed and you’ll notice that its pouring with one-way, mundane updates on every ordinary aspect of certain individuals’ lives…including petty rants that can only be summed up as worrying.

It may come as a shock to some people, but social media was primarily made for interaction – two-way engagement that over time, could help build communities based on shared topics and interests (the key is in the first word). Now, however, most people aren’t even pausing to consider whether their message is being heard, much less whether it’s actually relevant to their desired audience, before ejecting it out into the abyss. Self promotion seems to be their only focus. All idea of any other use seems to have been lost. We are swamped with all stuff, no substance.

It is this abuse of social media that brings me to my next observation. Social media has without a doubt made us all a lot less tolerant of the human condition. I don’t care that you burnt your toast this morning; I don’t care that the barista gave you the wrong latte, or that your train was delayed on the way to work. We all have setbacks in our day-to-day routine, and we all have minor struggles and annoyances that we need to get through. But writing about them on social media doesn’t make them any less sufferable in real terms, and certainly doesn’t make you a more interesting person. These events are just part of what being human is about; every day tests that we’re supposed to endure. They don’t make us appear any different from the next person – just less capable.

It is this fear of being ignored; this recoil response we have to being ordinary that keeps us tied to this circular habit. As Turk wisely points out – being alone isn’t the problem if we’re using our time productively, be it through art, music, mental or physical pursuits. But its become a difficult thing to do for a large proportion of our generation…to turn off the TV; step away from our laptops and switch off our phones at night. Loneliness, or rather, perceived loneliness, can be a crushing thing. But it is by all means better to be comfortable in one’s own company than uncomfortable in the presence of others.

We must also not forget, of course, the many marvellous abilities of social media – the power it gives us to plan; to organise; to create; to share. Indeed, if it wasn’t for social media, ‘Look Up’ probably wouldn’t have found its way into our lives, and Gary Turk wouldn’t be regarded as the voice of profound wisdom that he has been since catching the mainstream eye. One could say there is something rather ironic about the whole thing for this reason, but it is this irony that contributes to and strengthens Turk’s message – that social media and technology has its place, and that we can choose to use it progressively or passively.

Perhaps its time for all of us, to some degree, to start talking less and listening more. To open our eyes to the world around us. To build; share; practice; learn; discover; create.

Then we can come back when we finally have something to show.